General-alarm system for battleships



Jan. 3, 1928. 1,654,971 P. S. GRERSON GENERAL ALARM SYSTEM FOR BATTLESHIPS Filed Sept. 2l. 1921 3 Sheets$heet l if .STA

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P. S. GRIERSON GENERAL ALARM SYSTEM FOR BATTLESHIPS Jan.3,192s. 1,654,971Y

Filed Sept. 2l. 1921 r 5 Sheets-Sheet 2 Jan. 3,*1928. 1,654,911

P. s. GRIERsoN GENERAL ALARM SYSTEM FOR BATTLESHIPS Filed Sept. 21.*1921 '3 Sheets-Sheet 5 M, MSPANH LUS/4 hi I I 5411x169? Patented Jan. 3, 1928.

UNITED STATES y g `1,651.1,9111 PATENT oFFi-CE.

PAUL s. GnrnnsoN, or soU'rH ORANGE; NEW JERSEY, assreNoR "ro CHARLES ooRY & son, INCORPORATED, or NEW YORK`N. Y., A CoRPonnTioN 0F NEW YORK.

GENERAL-ALARM SYSTEM FOR BATTLESHIPS.

Application filed September 21, 1921. Serial No. 502,238.

This invention relates to a signalling system and more particularly to a general alarm system intended to be used on battleships; and has special reterence to the' provision oitv a system of this typein which any oi a plurality ot distinctive signals or alarms operated from a central ship station may be etliciently selected and controlled-trein any of a plurality of outlying ship stations.

In general alarm systems ot the type referred to such as, for example, the system disclosed in the patentto lVood, No. 1,220,- LlS/i, dated March 27th, i917, a number of signalling means preferably taking the form oi alarm elements such as gongs are scattered in various parts oi the ship, the alarm elements being operated from a central lion which is controlled from any of a plurality oit outlying stations such as the bridge, duarterdecl or conning vtower ot'the vessel. In these .systems manipuiatien ot any of the control elements at the outlying stations puts `into activity `provisions at the central staion for operating the alarm elements 'for a predetermined period ot time, such as, for example, one minute, the alarm beingautomatically discontinued at the end ot such period. y

In prior general alarmsystems oit this kind manipulation of any of the control elements at the outlying stations would start the system` operating for delivering or rendering only one character of signal, tlie'system thusy being relatively knon-flexible and limited in use. A prime d'esideratum ot' my present invention contemplates the provision ot au improved general alarm system in Which the alarm elements may be made to render or deliver any of a number ot distinctive signals selected at the will oi? the operator or oiiicer iu charge at any of the outlying control stations, thus yielding a systcm of desired increased fiexibility'and of wider utility.

ln prior systeinsot the kind hereinabove mentioned it was necessary, 'in order `to set the central station provisions'operating lor the desired predetermined period. to exerciseV control of the outlying station elements tor a somewhat extended period ot' timeY of, say, from live to ten seconds, thisfor the reason that the continued operation of the said central station provisions depended upon its being brought into full activity. My present invention contemplates an improvement over these prior systems in the provision ol" means whereby the system can be set into operation and into continued` operation instantly, Vthus eliminating the time factor previously found necessary in manipulating the outlying station `control elements.

' In the systems in prior use, after setting the central station provisions into activity, the signals were kept operating for theV full predetermined period, irrespective ot the desire ot the oiiicer to continue or discontinue signalling operation; in my present invention the control elements may be manipulated at will by the otlicer to stop the sounding ot' the alarm or to change the character ot the signal during the predetermined period of operation ot' the central station provisions.

The principal objects ot my invention may therefore be said to include, besides the provision ot a general alarm system in which any of a variety oit distinctive signals set into operation for a predetermined period ot' time may be controlled fromany of a plurality of stations, the provision ot an alarm system in Which the signals may be set instantly into operation and into continued roperation for the predetermined period, the provision of an alarm vsystem in which the signals may be stopped" or changed at will` during the said predetermined period,A the further provision of a system of tliis'nature in which, after the outlying station control elements have 4been manipulated to set the system into activity, it is unnecessary to re-V turn the elements to initial or ott position, thus Arendering the device tool-prooi 'and eliminating the human equation; the still iturther proyision of an alarm system ot this nature in which', when the system is being operated from one control station, the system is under .absolute control 'from such sta-r tion, the other stations being automatically locked out, this preventing interfering signals ironia plurality of stations to be rendered at the same time and the iinal provision ot an alarm system, its central station provisions and its outlying or remote station elements in which the parts are evfv in number, are co-related in a simple manner, are easily accessible and are manipulable in a facile manner. .i i e' To the accomplislnnent of the foregoing and such other objects as may hereinafter appear, my invention consists in the elenn, t,

.niente and theirl relation one to the other,

as hereina'lfter particularly den :ihed and Sought to he detined in the clair reiterence being' had to the acconilianyingdrawings which show a pre't'errml embodiment oit my invention, and in which:

Figure l 'in a diagraninu tic 'vien' et my I vstein elioning;V the ignalline` elements, the central operation Station and the plurality olf outlyingv f-z'atione` with the Wiring connertions therelietn'cen,

,lliajure Q is; a rien' oit the pane1 at the rentral control Station with opvatting' provisions thereon,

Figures 3 and vt are views ol" details` ol'v Said provisions,

flgtie'ure 5 is a plan elevatioral View ot a transmitter .n'ieclianisin employed at the out lyingr stations, the roter ot" said inechaniain heingg reinoreo, and

Figure G Yis a central croat; :wr-,tional elerational View et the saine.

eterring to Figure l ot the drawings, the invention coinprieer` a general alarin l, in which a nuinher ot signalling elements in the forni o'tl Single stroke goings g are aeattered ,in Yarious locatziong olf the Ship, the said gongs heing operated in a predetermined manner vtrein a central. control panel P, the panel l" heine` controlled troni any ot a plurality et Stations such as; the bridge, quartcrdeek or eonning` tower oit the reSscl hy nieanse ot' transmitter mechanisms auch as T, T, and TL located respectively at stations designated Qt, 2 and 3 .in Fig-ure l. ot the d awinga @n the central control panel. l are pron i'ieion lintended to he actuated tor operating the gongs g in a y: rietiy oit ways to prov duce any oit a plurality ot distinctive sigliiala Selected at will. For ope 'ating the Sif ling Incensi provide the inotor et h itung the shunt wound lield lt and the ya iatrirlile resistance r, the latter heine provided 'tor the purpose olf governing); the speelt ot the motor, the said inotor heiA e' connected hy a line olf Hhattinfr deaigggnated hy :4 and connect-- ed to a pericia oli inake and hreak timing .rlicclaA fr, Z, c, d and e reapectiirel-y, a ino tor control timing n'heel heine` also provided and in ieifated liv the inotor M tor coin trollii'igl the Stopping` ot the inotor, as will appear inore in `detail hereinafter. The panel P .is iturther provided with a Solenoid S, the Said Solenoid being adapted to lie energized hy niake and ln'eal; circuits optarated by the timing' Wheels a, b, c, (Z and` c respectively, to yaound the genen (y to produce any ot a pluralit)7 oit (lietinctiiye ,wiggnals. i

rllhe operating provisions :tor Sounding' the gong; g, which in the present exen'iplitication oit my inyenton preferably take the forni ot the tiniin},T Wheels 4, 7J, c, (Z and e. yare intended to he actuated 'tor a pi'etlet'{ r inined period, Such as one ininute, the operation ot these proinions being' controlled troni any olf' the outlying stations l 7 open :nd heine; intended to lic closed l'or starting the inotor ll aint actuating tinl tinil .ing wheeia (l to c 'ineluaiie 'the Switcher: it), ll and are arranged .in parallel, inalnipulation o i lach ol there witches, etl'ecting inotor operation. The circuits includirrr the Switches lt), ll and l2 are therc'lfora :sini` ilar and the tracing` et one. ot these circuit#r will Sn'tlice to show Vhe control et the panel troni any ot the outlying stations. Front the positive eide ol the inain line l?) the cir-- cuit; naif l through the conductor u he tracce lt, through the Switch l5, through the Cordiuftor lt to a terminal ll', thence through the conductor lS to the tern'iinal deeinnatetl as it) and thence hy ray olf the conductor /jt) to the line il, then to the lnx-inch conductor 'which lc tio the multiple Q3, the cin'rent tenen pafeinn' troni the Sari to the conductor Q-t and thence to the inane ally manipulable Switch llt) at Station l, thiv current passing 'troni this ,switch when closed 'to the erniduetor 25, hack to another terininal olf the multiple switch 2B and ,"oin .raid terminal by way o a lead Qt) to one pole ot" the electroi'nagnet 2T and through the saint electroinagnet, the condijictjor i255 conneclinggj the other terminal ot'A said electroinagjnet to the cfnduetor 52) connected to the Wire tl, the said wire $30 being` in turn connected te the motor M, the current n ingr 'lroni the niotor to the return conductor 3l which connected to the 'terminal fili, a conductor ct'innecting Said terminal to `he negative oy means i will rione th-i` motor cirw c lit, setting' Vthe Haine into operation tatlwin.;`ll the actuation or rotationl et the pro- \f'ifsionr"\` ji to j inciufeire. ra iurcinlletiore inv dicated, the inotor may lie similarly ron-- trolled 't ont switchen lt and ai tl to tlii,-; end these Switches are arrlinged in paralhl aci-oen` the linea4 Q0 and 2t) hy means oli cow ductors 2l, and 25, and let-2 and L52, the nniltiple switches-s :'23, and 2 1, leadsl it, and l: and electroniagneta QT, and 97:.

As hereinhelore irulicatedWV a drsderaluui otl the present invention coinprehendsy the provision oi a System in which the .inotor M may he set Vinto activity a d 'in *which the said activityY nay he caused 'to continue 'tor predete "niined t tantty X'pon the inanipulation et the r'nrollin when lt). tl or l" .t

ingr the nuitcl limi '1G :nid terminal 17, the said terinixiei 11T one 'terr L Switelii, the other terininni oit Seid :if being; eteeignoteii at 46, the ehieing` o't Said Switch terminals being` inte-mimi to he etteeted by the alternate moven'ient ot u Cross bnr 45T, the Suid ero-S inn: ft!" heine connected to a. core 4:8 itorn'iing port ot Vthe solenoid Q, intermittent operev tion ot the SolenoidV eiti,.eting the alternate movement ot the lier "fil tor closing' the uirenit zii-ro# the teiniiinil's l? :intl (5, the .closing` oit'V finch eirenit eieeting the jpznssiig/e oi current troni the tern'iinzil Ito 'to the Con,- (tneior 115), thence to n plm): lit'y oi' Switche@ 5() ont! 5l l);Y nnjx ot lexn'ls 52 :und 553 intl :trein the switches by i 'ay et the eonclnetors ft :intl 55 repeetirely to one termimrl ot eeeh gong', through the gonfi' ineelmnisni :intl to the other terminal ot the gong, thence through the eondneters :'36 and 5T, returningv thence through the subiti-hee 50 enel 5l :niet to the negative conductor 35 hf; Way ot the lends 58 and T9 respeetively.

The intern'iit'tent energirietion oit1 the Folenoitl, S for the :alternate actuation oit the switch lier f7 is effected hy ineens ot the tiinii'ig Wheels t to e inclusive, the o ierntion et these timing Wheels being controlled 'from the outlyingl s'tntione, 4For the pnl'- pose oit operating the gongs in a variety ot Witvis the plurality oit timingv Wheele (a to e are provided, these timing` Wheel@J having' distinct operating Characteristics, any ot theSe timing wheels being' inteiicleil` ttor selection, depending upon the eher?, et ir o'l .elek nel desired to he transmitted. ""he timing wheels fire tliing'rannnatially intliiee'tefl. in. Figure l ot the drawings endwvili he ile- Serihetl more in detail hereinafter. For the preeiit purposes it will sniiiee to State that the timing nf'heel a is zileptel. to euuee'the rendition oit a Signet Consisting); ot :i sti-olie for one second, itolvlowefl oy :i silence oit three seconds, the tiniiing;- wheel o lacing .intended to confie the rendition oi? at Sig/nul eonsitingv ot two successive strokes :it intervals ot one wenn?! Vtoiloweti li); n iixterrnl of Hitonne vonsinting ot (liz-oe ifea-owls, the tininigg; Wlieele o., of :unl (i et'teetnig the renrliljlo 1 ot il, At :intl 5 Snereflswe Strol es: :it intel-mls ot one seeonth nino 'lolhnvoil hy n time inter- \':il ot three seconde Asilenee.

tl onoi-1iling r-fith the tiniin3`1 Wlieelsif. il), eE Z :intl f: :ire the ineke :unl break Contact switches n, o, in, :c :intl y, erich et these switches eornpriffsin :i Stationary Contact a rm ot) :und u n'iovaole contee firm (Si, the letter :i'rni bein actuated oy a timing` wheel for the melting; und breaking' oit a eirenit :ierosS the Contact minis 6() incl (il.

For the purpose ot selecting the desired timingl Wheel ci, Z), e, Z or e, the tr: nen'iittere T, T] and T2 are pro' left with rse/tee` `e 'ontnet ineens. These Contact ineens :my oonsmi, r ,itefring to Station 3 in Figure '1nn',i:;; that it if; (lenirett to Szeleeft the iw ot the tiniine wheel e oni stu* tion erin o) will he rotated nntil U -f oozniiet. (5S connected to the sneinite eienient GTZ the e" tre-.eetl 'troni the renin .tine t?) uit being 'Linder these .enlitonly nfl 'to lows. 'ilhe Current nuclei' ernt'ng eontlitione 'will tion' troni the line thronggh .Hofiteh lo. eoniinetor vt3, terminal neto"l t, terminait l), t'oinlnetor 20, .f to ,le-fnl thy( ugh spring ie ttnenit loing Closet! 'troni Sziitl `i 'to eontnet aun i0: when the -tnro 535;: :rnetefi hy the ningfgnet Lrg, the en t Linder heee eirenn'istnnees :How-- the Contatta i rin 4tlg to the multiple thence hf." my oi 'the eoinl-netor to e'jnientel Contact (39, nero-frs the :mn lo) to Contact 53, thenee through eontlnetor the ein'rei'n: tlowing;` trom the l@nifl eon- 'luetor lfm/el; to tho nniltinle Sr-,f'iteh 232 to 'the ier/itl 'i thenee to eonflnetor 73, thence 'to .lend "Til: :intl to the eontziot ern] (3() oit nnile :intl breek ,fswiteh y, the Closing; ot this: switch hy movement oit the fnni (it naming the enrrent Vto poos to the Contlnetor '755, thenee to :i Geni oiernterl. Switch 2i ooinjn'ising n Stn tionnry :zrin To :intl n oann operated inovnhle :mn TT, the (-iienitlining (-onipleteil hy the (fontlnetol 7S oonnerterl to one terininnl ot the .Qolenoitl l. t ie other tmniinnl ot the solenoiift heine; connected to (he nefrntire tei'- ininzil Si?. 'the inviti-li if# opened :intl closed hy the rotntion ot n e; Til. thin` non] boing; ominetteil to the nie/toi ,leit't' n' Si, the nin living rotritetl :at the rute Qnleltznitinlly i5 l. t). .ii this ouin :intl the flcfiteh hein!r provided. ior the nltei'nnie opening' 11ml el ing' ot the ,Qolenoitl vii'i'nit in with 'the n'niliing :mil lire: l o

.e tiniii neel e,

'omierition ino eiri'nit, :1S will he .iron'l the above it will` l ninflemtooil tlnit noon elosi the Switch if?, nt ion not ont;v will the motor he operated ncl be kept in operetio'ei 'tor il Api'ecle'tormined period o't tinn;n init the eiofingf ot Qneh` Switch will 'tor .@eleetion any ot the ",'ziryini honig :ieeon'qulielieil hy the no ilie eleetrmnegjnntie :zrnfmtnie 36:4

CII

, that h v this operation the selected timing` wheel such as will cause the intermittent energrization ot the solenoid S in a. predetermined manner, this causing the alternate actuation ot the switch liar 4T .tor the alternate opening and closing ot the 'gong circuit in the predeterniined manner, the soundiiigv ot the alarm thus heineY obtained.

Althoufh the central control panel P and its oper-:itung provisions will etfeet the soundin gy olf the alarm for a Tull predetermined period. the operator or otlieerv may discontinue the signals as h v shittingthe transmitter karm 69 to ott position, or may change the signa-l at Will by shitting the transniitter arm 69 to anyY oil the other segmental contacts. ln the tirst event, although the motor continues its predetermined op eration until stopped by the tii'ning Wheel f,

vthe soundingl ot the alarn'i is discontinued and in the latter event the motor uill conclude its predetermined operation with the obtaining,` ol a different iipnal. `With the present vs vsten'i also, the ot'ticer need not wait until the coiniilenon of the predeteri'nined period ol time 'tor resetting` the apparatus, since the control elemei or`instrnmentali ties at the outlying stations need not he resety to permit control ot the central station provisions troni any ot the other remote or outljyirn' stations. Thus, the trai'ismitter arnr 09, atter having' been set for cooperation with segmental Contact 08, .may he lett in such position, this not interil ring ivith suhsequent control o't the system vtrom either the `stations 1er 2 'or the station 3. `The s vs-y tem thus tool proof and eliminates the human equation. i

in a manner similar to the .selection ot the timingguheel e troni transmitter contact 05S amv ot the timingl wheels (i, 7) o. and d may he selected `troni tlfuyrontacts tilt. 05, or (il, ,the circuits heine` traced in a manner similar to the aho've h v'wajv ot the respective conductors S0, 91, 82 `and S8 leadinlgv to and through the multiple switches 232 to the conductors Self, S5, 8S and S7 respectively,'these conductors in turn leading tothe switches n, n. u: and respectively. Further, in a similar manner the Circuits may he controlled 'troni `the transn'nitter-y switch T and T1.

leierringgj to Figures 2 to 4 of the drawl shoiv in constructional detail the central control `panel P and the provisions mounted thereon. Attached tothe panel l) isthe electric .motor M, 'the sl-ia'ttot said motor heine; provided with theoperating kworm tiiieshing with a Worin wheel 259 tired to the shatt the shaft s heilig jonrnalled in opposed hearing brackets and Slt respectively, both being attached inV a. suitable. manner to the panel P; The shaft a carries the carinV 79, `shown more 'in detail in Figure 3 oit the drawings, tor operatin}r the malte and break device s, theshat'te being further provided with a vorm 9i?. meshing With a Worm Wheel 93 tired to a 'transverse shaittlft, the la ter shaft being journalled inthe opposed hearings 91 and 95, the said shaft 9-/l carrying the timing` wheels fr to /tVinelusive The `gearingl is so proportioned that upon actuation ot the motor M the cam 79 is rotated at the speed ot ($5 lt. P. M., the said shaft 9t being rotated with a speed ot about 1 R. P. M.

ln Figure et of the drawings the con# struction ot one oit the timingivheels such as e is shown in detail. This timing Wheel e is provided With spaced teeth 96 and with intermediate notches or cavities 97, `both the tet-th and the notches being of a prede. termined configuration. In the present ease the teeth 90 have a circumferential length so that when a toothy 90 engages the cani block 9S forming' part ot the spring1 contact arm 61, the said contact arm 61 will he moved toengagement With contact 60 and will be held in engagement for five consecutive seconds. The notch 97 is oft a prede? termined length such that when the notch cooperates with the cani block 98 thev arm 61 will be released and moved out ojt en- `Q'agement with the arm G0 and will he `held in released position tor the period 'of three consecutive seconds.

In order to translate the live second pi riod corresponding;` to the cooperation ot tooth 9G Vwith the. spring; arni 0l into a series ot' successive malte a hreak contacts in the circuit, ther/cam Wheel 7 9 hereinhetore referred to is provided, the said cani wheel being' shoivn in detail in Figure' 3 as mounted on the shaitt s, the canrsuliace ot the said cani Wheel eooperatingij with the cani hloclc 99 tornan@l part ot the spring contact arm 77. the cani Wheel 79 heine; ro tated suhststntialli7 05 R, l). lll., this eooperating` with the timing Wheel e'or any ol the other timingrivl'ieels to effect the making` and breaking' ot-a` circuit substantially every second. duringv the period ot engagement lietween a tooth 9G with a cam hloclt98.

Referring again to Figure :2, the solenoid S is provided with the core 48 `hereinhetere mentioned, the said core being' connected h v means ot links 100 to the arms 101 o'l a bell crank forked lever 102 ,tulcruined at 103, the forks of the hell crank delining` slivitch arms 104 and 105 adapted for alternately contacting the terminals 16 and 17 tor making and breaking the gong circuit through these contacts When. the solenoid S is intermittently7 energized. For the purpose of lin'iiting; the upward motion et the core 18 the solenoid S is provided with a stationary core 101 adjnstably mounted on the solenoid by means oit the finger Wheel 105, the stationarjvv core 104 beingprovided with limiting1 stop means 106. The opening ot the switch arms 1011 and 105 ma)7 be etected bv the gravity ot' the parts and tor the purpose of aiding; the return to open position ot the said switch arms I may provide the spring` 107 anchored at one end on the frame 108 and connected at its other end to the cross r d 109 conneetine' the links 100 to the arms 101.

Referring` to Figures and 6 of the dran'- incs, I show the preferred form ot transmitter embodying the contact mecnanisn'i tor selective control oit the gone' circuits and embodying 'further the svvitch device ttor controlling; the operation ot the motor circuit. The preterrcd transmitter coi'nprises the casing 110 and the casing' cover 111, the said cover being removably mounted on the casing' b v means ol the eoo]ierating; spaced lugs 112 and 113. the lugs receiving` the securing; means such as 114. It is desired to provide a transn'iitter construction which is air and Water proof and to this end l prefer to insert between the casing` and casing cover the annular `gasket 11,1. rThe casinef 110 is provided with the aperture 118 through Which the conn ctingg Wires and leads are led, this aperture heine' intended to be closed in an air an d moisture proof niienner.

Fixed to spaced lnes 116 (one of Which shown in Fig'. G) formed preterabl)7 integrally with the interior Walls of the casing 110 is the insulating` plate 117, the said plate carrying' the arcuate Contact; piece 6&3 and the segmental contacts 63 to 68 inclusive, the said contacts being; secured. to the insulating plate 117 by an; suitable securing' means such as screws 118. Each of the contact elements may include a terminal such as 119 and a terminal screw 120.

Secured to the insulating' plate 117 l provide the bearing plate 12.1` the said bearing plate being fixed to the insulating; plate hv seeming` means 122. Roti'itably mounted in the bearinlrfplate 121 and in the beari j bracket 123` the latter being secured to the casing Walls at 124i., I provide the shaft lnsnlatablv mounted on the shaitt 19,5 and lixed to preferably,7 an integral llane'e piece 126 et said -shatt is the Contact arm (S9 terminatingr in the opposed contacts 127 and 19.8, the latter cooperating with the conta cts 62 to 68 inclusive tor controlling; the selecA tive circuits hereinbe'tore referred to in detail. The Contact element or arm G9 is insulatably mounted on the lange 1255 by he shifted to any selec'ed po- `ion.

not il. .jv mounted on the casing' cover l provide a co4 plenicntal sha ,in alinen'ient with the shaft over is mounted on the ci y shown in Figure (S et the ivvinfrs, the said shaft. l eine' provided with an integral handle 133. the shaift 13E. licine jonrnalled in 'the rising' cover and being; prevented 'trom end-- Wise movement bj! means ot vthe shoulder giicce 134. and the opposed collar 1353. For the purpose ot providing a water prooin` con` nection between the .Lha'l't lo?? and the casina" cover: the journal 'tor the shaft conl ses i box 1.36, the cap 137 heine; provided tor 2training; access to said stniliinl` hoiv For the purpoilse ot operativel)7 connecting;- the shaft to the shalt 19.53 when the casingv cover is connected to the Cziisine, l il'irovide the shaft 125 with the couplinga collar 1138i, the said coupling collar being provided with a pin 139 projecting` therefrom and adapted 'for reception by a. bore 1410 provided in the complemental coupling collar 135.

The shaft 13d carries an indicator arm 'lett the said arn'i movin@v over a .series ot indications (not shown) on the easing: cover 111 tor indicating to the operator the position et the contact arm GQ. For the purpose of iixedlv locating; the arm (Si) in anv ot its selected positions I provide the arm lfulcrumed on the ljieariirrf bracl-:et 123 and to the said arm adjacent its end I conneet one terminal ot the tension sprintY 1153. the other tern'iinal ot the said spr-inn` being anchored at 14H on the bearing: brac vt- 12?. The arm 1412 carriesI a roller 115. the said roller beine; journalled in the arm intermediate Vits enrJ the said roller comierating With a series oit teeth 146 preterahlj,7V torniied in the coupling collar 138, the cooperation of these elements eti'ecting; the locltinsr ot* the switch arm (3.() in its selected position. From this (ifc'instrnction it n'ili he api'mrcnt that the position ot the aria (i9 may be con* trolled in a facile manner bv the rotation ol the handle 13S. the partey ot the contact mechanism lieingr so related that access mai. he had to the oneratu'l; partey thcreot in ii. Yfacile marmer when the casing); cover 111 is removed Yliom the casing 110.

rhc transmitter ot inf-y coii:-1ti1iction in' addition to pro 7hline; a contact mechanism tor controlling the siirnallinc' operation, preterabl)T also embodies the itch device 'tor controllingthe operation ot the motor. The sivitci device de "rated as 1Q mar compri-.se the staticnarv contact arin 14.7 ymocn'ted on the iniualatino plate 117 bv moans ot the securingl elen'ients 14S and with llt) fitr

this stationary contact arm cooperatesv a movable ,springl contact `arm 1419, the-latter comprising` a. flexible element hai/'ing a normal position located away trom the contact shown in Figure 6 ot the drawings, one terminal ot the plunger beine' adapted to enan insulating' piece 'll in contact with the switch arm 1459, theother terminal of the plunger comprising' a push button 152,' a spring` housed in the handle 13? and surroimding the spindle l5() being;l provided 'l'or normally urging' the plunger to open position and il'or\ piicklj,f'returning the same to open position aiter the push button 152 ,is manipulated tor closing the circuit across the contacts lil-7- and 1&8. For housing),r the push button and plunger the handle is provided with the cap 151i, the cap hemp,` secured to the handle by means of scren's 155, a.r iiexible diaphragm formed ot, tor example, animal skin 156 being" positioned between the cap 154 and the handle 133, the cooperation ot these parts eli'ecting' a dust-prooi and Water-prooie construction.

The operation ot my improved system will` in the main, beV apparent from the detailed description oit the system given above with reference to lFigure l ot the drawings. lt'n'ill be apparent from the construction dei scribed that l have provided a system in which a pluralityot alarm elements located in iarious parts of a. battleship may vbe sounded in any et a variety otivays to render any of a plurality of distinctive signals, the operation ot the gongs being effected 'trom a cent-ral station, the control of the system being' obtained from any ot a plurality ot' outlying' stations. It'Will be further apparent that the system can be set intooperation instantly by the manipulation of the switch devices l0, ll or l2, the provisions for operating` the signals being set into activity tor a predetermined period ot' time, continued operation ot the system being,r also obtained instantaneously, discontinuance yoil! the signals, hmyevenbeing obtainable Whenever desired by control ot the transmitter n'rechauism at the outlying' stations. yThe 'tem i.

i p ly be Vchanged at will and that conl ot' the system Ltrom one ot the outlying' stations will prevent interfering control tr( n any ot the other stations. The system is. nmreoyer.` constructed to permit the operator or otlicer in chara'eto abandon control Whenever desired Without resetting' the parts, cont-rol trom any ot the other stationsr heine; obtainable, irrespective ot the position et the controlling' elements at any of the stations, the device thus being` rendered o furthermore constructed that a tool-proot.l lVior-eover, it will be seen that all the ele.l ents cooperate in a very simple manner, consistent with the manifold 'tunetions involved and that the parts ot the system are easily accessible tor operation, repair or replacement, the Whole providing elatively simple and eilicient apparatus.

lVhile I have shown my device in the pre- 'ierredform, it will be obvious that many' changes and moditications may be made in the; strnctrue disclosed without departing;` trom the. spirit of the invention, delined in the toller-fing claims.

l claim:

l. In apparatus ot the class described, a al circuit, a plurality ot mechanisms tor n drinn' and. brcakng the signal circuit, each with a-ditiierent arrangement ot the relative duration ot' operation and rest periods, a motor' tor operating allsaid make and break connections, a circuit therefor, means operated by the motor :for breaking the motorcircuit alter the expiration ot a predetermined period o't operation, a plurality of rrr-.tl},'ingi stations, each including electrically controlled means to select an appropriate make and break mechanism, a'circuit theretor, a ymanually operated switch tor closing the motor-circuit, mechanism to short-circuit 'the selective means and the manually operated switch operated by the current et the motor-circuit, and means operated by the motor-circuit breaking; means to short-eircuit said last named mechanism just prior to the breaking of the motor-circuit.

` 2. In apparatus oi the class described. a

signal circuit, a. plurality ot mechanisms for Vmin-ed period of operation, ra plurality ot outlying' stations, each including electrically controlled means to f select an appropriate make and break mechanism, a circuit 'tor each ot said means, a manually operated switch for closing the motor circuit, mechanism to short-circuit the selective n'ieans and the manually operated switch operated by the current of the motor circuit. and means operated by the motor circuit breaking; means to short-cirr'fuit said last named means ust prior to the breaking' ot the motor circuit., the signal circuit making' and breaking; mechanisms con'xprising' a, circuit, a normallyv open switch 'tor closing the circuit, and a rotatable member driven by the motor and having means to engage andelose the switch at regular intervals. i

In apparatus of the class described. a signa-l circuit, a pluralty ot mechanisms for making' and breaking the si glial circuit, each lli() l lo with a Clii'l'erenti arrangement. ol" the relative duration oil opefatiion and r :5t periods, a inotor tor operating all said inato ard break oonnee'tion, a circuit therefor, niean: oporated liv 't'lit inet'or ior lireal-:ingg' tlio niotorrirtuit lli-ei a tilie expiration of a predeterinined time, Viiluralitt," of ontiyiifig feliatiionw, elertrieallv conrolld f t; moli Station to failliet', and lyreali i" interliiosed in and the Current aid eirouni o; proportions insuliieient; ian ono of' Suid nually operated irri t', n'ioeliau ineai'ia and Ai operated by iv n `n; or--rirr iitz breaking means lo .sliortfeii tt ll f Ai f pi' to the i *3; tlm ref'ifll'aniti r loi" lieingi ifo selertod as, to oioduee a Current, of a predoterniined valu-ey in die motor-rirruit: when the, inanuallv operated Switch olf any outlying` Station is rlrued.

Ll. lu

tino' gli, provislowy ior izllii Circuiti, ineani for rov`f; oinS including :1n eiert'rio motor and .f or circuit, a plurality o'li outlyingI nierl'lia. mins Ylor ControllingT 'clio starting o'tl Said n'iotor1 iacli electrically on eratied and including a liand operated :#:n'iti'li and a norniallv onen Switch device arranged in. na 'allel vvitili tire liand operated Switch, said norn ally open Switch device inclu-lingiI an oloelroniarnet `in tlie motor circuit' and arranged to lle (rlofed by onergizatiion tliereof to maintain tlio inoi'or circuiti` Qloffed, the current flowingl in tilie motor circuit #utlieient to energize tlie electroinaojnot o'li one svfiilzli dovice tliereljiy Vto liold i'lie circuit cloned, but inui'iiciont to Siinultsmeoufly enoreize tlm eleotroinaggnet of anotlior switch device.

5i. ln a 'fnzlling sjfStein. provisions: 'Iior fing :i rfiignallingr circuit, means -for at Said nroviions, said ineano includiugfg an electric inotor and a motor cirouit', :i pluraliljr oli electrically roui'rolled outlvinf ne'i'lmnisnio ari-:urged in parallel` earli 'au-l fj normallyv open ,inviten deviro 'lor inotor eirruit, and an eloirtroet intorposzed in tlie nlotor oirifuil. eaoli devais arranged lo lie rlosed liv onergizainm olf 'ille aiipropriate elert'ro magnet to innintain tile motor eirluit rlosed, tile refaistani'jo oi" tlm .notor and elmitroinaguets lining so rotated to ille Curront "allie t'liat` vvlun a unterst-ml magnet i5* enorr'ized, tire Current' will lue insnt'licient to simultaneously energize anniag'net, and nieanfi controlled by tlie (all operation ol tlie motor for openingl the nioi'w ii-ruit alt-er a selerted period oli on eration.

' nailing Slvatein, provisions lor ogfrzd i n fr' ldialling Circuiti, .said proviirgeleinentis adapted for :selection liavi fodnco any oil' a iilnralitj; of distinctive aix, nar is; to; actuating gaat provisions,

in ineludii j an electric inot'or 'to'. fruit. il. olnfuieiin to: vonrtingy ot said motor, tire, said ii'ioiuding a, liand operated Switch i l die circuit, and a norn lilly open inl ed to the v l l' il ,o it ll i www" fi vf fl w' (rl Vtnt va in ia, it euiitm am rnoumi rwlerted magnet is sutiieient; lo maintain rlosed lint inSntuCient to simu taneoinly eneriiie another magnet, and inalce. and lirral; ronta inerlianisin 'lor tlm Circuit, as-

:il vviiili said provirfions lor selecting in; ,ni/entri. ln a een rally controlled nir/nailing Svstei i, provisions lo'atcd at a Central :gtation iior f eleetively operatino:` a signalling; ineans lo proline@ an); ot1 ay plurality oil? Signals, and moans Yfor operating said. provisions7 tlie 'provifioim inl'zludingi' a, irilnralitv o'li ineans to operate tlie signalling n'ieans, eaffli to produro a .fflillierentv sigg-nal, a, trnnnrnitter located at an outlying` Sitation, ille transmitter inrluilii'ig a manually operated device ilor selecting the operating means, and nianuall7 operated mean@ indepeiuflent of ille device Yior connecting tlio operating n'ieanS with the Signa ling' means and tor starting the oran-ating means for tlie Signalling ineans.

S. In a cent ally Controlled Signalling Systezn, ini'ovisionn located. at'. a contial station 'for leleetivellv oporatiing a signalling means lo nro/luie univ ol :z plurality of Sn nals, z

. inotor Yl'or oimiatzing said provisions, and z. niot'or Circuiti, tlie provisions including z plnralitljv ot:` n'ioans for operating tlie Signallitrey means, eat-li to iliroduce a ditlerent Signal, a transniittor located :it an outlyingl l Station, Vt'lie t'ansii'iitter inrlinling;v niaiuiall)v Selective ineanS 'tor tlu Signal, an independent nianuallvY operable :evvitfrli deviro lor closing' the motor (firi'ouit, an electromagnet in tins circuit, and iuians operated liv the olertroniagnlt .'or closing; the rirruiti to I tarti tlio motor and 'lor eonnectiiw' tlio appropriate operating ineanu itior tlm sa nalliingv ineaun` will) tlm selerted Signal.

S). ln a signalling .La vstein. an electric ront'rolled Signa :i norinallv7 open eirruit tliere lor, a solenoid operated switch for closing the Circuit', a circuit` lor the Solenoid, a plurality olf inea. S to close l'lie Solenoid circuit at reginlar intervals, Said means arranged to operate at: dit?a intervalo t'lierolrv to produce a plo 'alitvv independent; Signals,

t, of

lof.)

liu

lilo

actuating means for the solenoid circuit closing means, selective mechanism for selecting the circuit closing means, and a make and break mechanism operated by the actuating means interposed in the signal circuit to open and close said circuit at regular intervals during a given period, Whereby to provide during each period that the circuit is closed by the solenoid operated switch a series of regular interruptions of the circuit.

10. In a central controlled signalling system, provisions located at a central station adapted for selectively operating a signalling means to produce any of a plurality of signals, the provisions including means tok operate the signalling means at different intervals thereby to produce a plurality of distinct signals, means for actuating said provisions, a plurality ot transmitters located at outlying stations, each transmitter including means to select any of the signal operating means, and an independent means to operatively connect the si'nalling means With the selected operating means and to start said actuating means, means to prevent the simultaneous operative connection of another transmitter, and means operated by the actuating means after a selected period of operation tor stopping said operation.

Signed at New York, in the county of New York and State of Nevs7 York this 17th day of September, A. D. 1921.

` PAUL S. GRIERSON. 

